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There is no question that image is key. I remember
trying to help a frustrated attending physician find
the nurse assigned to his patient. He wasn't even sure
who was a registered nurse, let alone which one belonged
to his patient. In days gone by, the presence of the
traditional white cap and uniform assured physicians,
patients and families who the nurse was.
While few nurses miss the white cap image, it is important
to consider how we are viewed today. As our patient
care teams have become more interdisciplinary, our patients
are understandably struggling to keep up with who is
who and what is what.
Given the historical legacy of nursing's positive public
image and its high level of public trust and respect,
our profession has good reason to guard and protect
these assets.
How we look to the outside world is important. From
the first day of clinical as a nursing student to the
first day of employment and throughout our careers,
the value of looking and acting professionally should
never be underestimated.
Whatever the chosen symbols of our profession you prefer-the
white lab coat, a stethoscope or a large-font "RN"
on the nametag-it is critical that patients and families
know that you are a registered nurse. It is the best
way for us to make sure that the public's confidence
in us continues and that our evolving role is understood.
What we say as nurses to the outside world is also
important. Particularly as nursing garners more media
attention, our public voice needs to be a positive and
intelligent representation of our profession. Nursing
also needs to speak for itself and not abdicate its
voice to others whose interests are not always ours.
Nursing should continue to spotlight its best and brightest
in the media today. The savvy hospital will center its
public relations effort on the diverse and rich talents
of its nursing staff.
What we do as nurses in our communities is also important.
Being a nurse is what we become, it's not just a job.
Perhaps one of the most compelling opportunities we
have as nurses is to bring nursing into our schools
and churches, and onto soccer fields and playfields.
Regardless of how you interact and contribute within
your community, make sure everyone knows you are a nurse.
Your ability to make nursing a reality for others ensures
that interest in our profession will continue to grow.
Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues
at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.
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